The Top 10 Easy and Budget-Friendly Meals for Dinner

If you want meals that are both inexpensive and delicious, it is totally possible! The 10 easy and budget-friendly meals included in this recipe roundup are affordable, simple to make, and super flavorful. As an added bonus, I have included one of my favorite hacks for saving money on food – keep reading to find out what it is!

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Why You Will Love These Budget-Friendly Meals

You are going to love these super simple, tasty, and cost-effective recipes. They are perfect for busy weeknight dinners and meal prep, because they are so effortless and take very little time to prepare. Best of all, they are very economical to make, which is always a good thing!

How to Save Money on Food and Groceries

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the average family of four spends between $700 to $1,000 per month on food. That is a lot money, especially considering the fact that most families waste about 40% of their food each month!

Food is one of the largest monthly expenses a family can have, which is why I’m a big fan of shopping at Thrive Market. Thrive Market is impressive online store that sells healthy, organic food and natural products at 25-50% below retail prices. I like to think of Thrive Market like Amazon (online retailer) meets Costco (wholesale prices) meets Whole Foods (all wholesome, junk-free foods).

I love Thrive Market because their prices are so much cheaper than almost every other retailer. In addition, they send free full-size products and amazing coupon codes to use on your order. For those reasons, I recommend signing up for a Thrive Market membership. You will save a ton of money and your pantry will be stocked with healthy, wholesome food staples. Plus, if you’re a reader of my website, you will get an exclusive bonus when you join: Click here to get a free gift when you get started with Thrive Market!

However, if you would rather use another delivery service, check out this post: The Top Healthy Grocery Delivery Companies Online. In that article, I discuss other sources for organic grocery delivery online that might suit your needs better. Lastly, if you’re curious about the Best Fresh Produce Delivery Brands Online or the Top Healthy Food Subscription Boxes, you can check out those posts too.

My Favorite Easy and Budget-Friendly Meals for Dinner

So now that you know one of my favorite hacks for saving money on food, here are some simple and budget-friendly recipes you should try. They are all value-driven, easy to make, and amazingly flavorful.

1. Budget-Friendly Meals: Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake

This tasty Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake recipe requires only 6 simple ingredients to make! It is makes a perfect supper for busy weeknights and is so comforting, satiating, and delicious.

2. Easy and Inexpensive Meals: Healthy Turkey Chili

This Healthy Turkey Chili recipe makes a hearty, spicy, one-pot meal that is perfect for cold days. It is naturally low in fat and packed with protein! If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, this Black Bean Chili is a great alternative.

3. Budget-Friendly Meals: Chinese Fried Rice

15 minutes are all you need to whip up this Chinese Fried Rice recipe! It tastes even better than takeout and is so much better for you. An easy-to-make, satisfying vegetarian main or side dish.

4. Budget-Friendly Meals: Taco Stuffed Peppers

This Easy Taco Stuffed Peppers recipe is super tasty, filling, and so simple to make. It makes a comforting all-in-one meal that is hearty, healthy, and gluten-free!

5. Low-Cost Meals: Canned Tuna Bean Salad

This simple Canned Tuna Bean Salad recipe requires only 6 ingredients and 10 minutes to make! It makes a nourishing, protein-packed meal that will keep you feeling full for hours. Tip: If you have any leftover tuna, use it to make some yummy Canned Tuna Melts!

6. Budget-Friendly Meals: Thai Curry Noodle Soup

This Thai Curry Noodle Soup recipe is super hearty and infused with fragrant Thai flavors. A soul-warming noodle soup that is vegan, gluten-free, and requires only 15 minutes to make!

7. Inexpensive Meals: Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

You are going to love this Homemade Macaroni and Cheese recipe. All you need are a few simple ingredients and just 20 minutes to make the best mac n’ cheese ever.

8. Budget-Friendly Meals: Skillet Honey Lime Chicken

This saucy, tangy Skillet Honey Lime Chicken recipe is ideal for busy weeknights. It makes a flavor-packed, simple, and inexpensive meal that the whole family is going to love!

9. Low-Cost Meals: Mushroom Kale Quinoa

This nutritious Mushroom Kale Quinoa recipe is ideal for Meatless Mondays and is a cinch to make. Just throw all your ingredients into one pan and you have a no-stress, no-mess meal that is ready to eat about 30 minutes. For a fun Asian-inspired quinoa meal, you can also try out my Chinese Fried Quinoa.

10. Budget-Friendly Meals: Korean Ground Beef Bulgogi

This Korean Ground Beef Bulgogi recipe is so ridiculously easy to make and tastes beyond delicious. A perfect, family-friendly meal for busy weeknights that is ready to eat in just 15 minutes!

If you make any of these budget-friendly meals, be sure to let me know in the comments below!